The Wheel of the Ancestors

Of all the possible collectives to which we belong, the field of our ancestors has a particularly strong impact on us. The term ancestor sounds strange to many people in the modern world, nevertheless it is the ancestors who have gone before us and make up a large part of our roots. Most of us have lost touch with our roots, but the ancestors never stopped singing. They have always been there, they have always supported us, and now it is time that they may again take back their place in our life.

In this ancestral field that penetrates the whole soul, we find not only the presence of those ancestors who have propagated themselves. The tribal soul includes everyone who belongs to the ancestor’s array, including those who have died young and have never brought children into the world.

The myths of a culture are the spiritual teachings, handed down through their ancestors from generation to generation. In mythical poems and stories the ancestors tell us of their life journeys, their travels in the wilderness, their shamanic journeys, their vision quest and their battles, their triumphs and tragedies, their values and passions.

The triumphs of the ancestors, their failures, their hopes and disappointments, they are all in some way still here. Their strengths as well as their burdens have the same effect on us. By reconnecting with these lineages we also open the possibility of healing old wounds that have been passed down from generation to generation, strengthening the ancestral lines behind as well as in front of us. In this way we also begin to take responsibility for being the ancestors of the future.

The intent of this seminar is to activate the knowledge of our ancestors in our cells, so that we have more opportunities to face the challenges of today. We would like to invite you to come in contact with your roots, to trace the trail of your ancestors, to hear their message and to respond to the original power of life which expresses itself in your ancestors as well as in yourself. By reconnecting we will remember an inheritance that could make it possible to bring more balance to the earth for the benefit of all.

With stories and songs, rituals, trance postures, shamanic journeying, initiatory experiences in nature and healing ceremonies, we dive into the life and faith of our ancestors and explore their significance for us today. The ancestral journey is a journey into the past, which can lead to yourself. And from here - with strong roots in the earth - may the tree of your being stretching its branches, your wings, far out into the sky and into the future.

We are the sum of our ancestors
Our roots go back to the blue-green algae They range up to the stars
Finally, they reach the void.
This story is written into our psyche Silence and solitude allow us to remember our whole and our big body.
-- Joan Halifax

What is shamanism?

Shamanism is the ancestor of all the world’s spiritual traditions.
traced pan-culturally back at least 40,000 years, and is still prevalent today. Thus we speak of a culturally defined shamanism, depending on where it was living. Mongolia, Nepal, Korea, Scandinavia, or even the entire practices in both Americas, south and north. Shamanism is a common heritage of all mankind. It expresses needs and abilities so deeply rooted in human nature that they are coming back to the fore, from where shamanic traditions have long been buried.

Shamanism is no institutionalized religion. It is not even a belief system that is subject to certain rules and beliefs. Rather, the shamanic life has a way of spirituality, arising directly and exclusively from personal experience. Therefore, the shamanic living person does not need a priest or other authorities to guide him or her in faith and conduct. Shamanism is a direct revelation.

Who can participate:

This intensive workshop is designed for women and men who wish to learn about there one lineage The maximum number will be 20 participants.

What to bring: Bring a drum and/or rattle if you have one, a bandana or scarf to put over your eyes to block out the light during a shamanic journey, a blanket to lie on, and a notebook and pen.

Camping: Come prepared to live self-sufficiently for food and equipment at a campground just south of Big Pine, CA. If there is any equipment that you would like to borrow, contact Meredith (lostbrdrs@cebridge.net) to see if she can help. There will be more information in the logistical letter sent closer to the event.